He will be replaced on an interim basis by former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who is also the team's bowling coach.

"Head coach Davenell Whatmore has had his contract terminated with immediate effect," a statement from Zimbabwe Cricket read.

"Bowling coach Makhaya Ntini has taken over in an acting capacity until the appointment of a substantive head coach.

"The board has also relieved Zimbabwe top-order batsman Hamilton Masakadza of the captaincy for all three formats of the game. His deputy, Graeme Cremer, will act in the interim."

Zimbabwe have also signed former South Africa allrounder Lance Klusener as a batting coach for two years, and appointed former captain Tatenda Taibu as the new convener of the national selection panel.

Zimbabwe play India in three one-day internationals in Harare starting on June 11, as well as three Twenty20 games.

Zimbabwe failed to reach the Super 10 phase of the World T20 in India, with Afghanistan advancing ahead of the African nation in the qualification round of the tournament.

Currently ranked 11th on the ODI charts and 12th on the T20 table, Zimbabwe will also be eager to upset their higher ranked subcontinent opponents to climb back into the top 10.